Supplements

NADH (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide)

Nicotinamide Adenine Diucleotide with high-energy Hydrogen (NADH) is also known as Coenzyme 1, the spark that ignites energy production in the body's cells. NADH's high antioxidant capacity is obtained from its ability to reduce levels of unwanted substances in the body. NADH plays a central role in DNA repair and maintenance, and in the cellular immune defense system.

The body normally makes its own NADH from niacinamide, but aging and disease slow the conversion. In the past, no one could deliver this highly active molecule in a form stable enough to exist in an oral prescription. European scientists have now succeeded in making coenzyme 1 available in supplement form.

Of some 900 people with Parkinson's who took NADH supplements regularly, 80% showed moderate to excellent relief from hand tremors, head wobbling, limb stiffness, slow gait, fatigue, and other symptoms of the disease. With years of regular use, it also appeared to slow the deterioration of their nervous systems.

L-dopa, a prescription dopamine is the drug prescribed for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. L-dopa causes the release of free radicals, which can damage brain cells, whereas NADH is one of the brain's most powerful antioxidants. NADH usually provides the same benefits as L-dopa, without the side effects.

In NADH studies, people with Alzheimer's disease improved in memory. In addition anyone else who uses the supplement may feel a pronounced surge of energy that helps athletic performance, depression, heart problems, and other ailments. Jorg Birkmayer, M.D., the Austrian researcher who developed the product, tested NADH on seventeen people with Alzheimer's, which shares many biochemical similarities with Parkinson's disease. All of his patients significantly improved their performance on standard memory tests. The progression of brain deterioration, presently an inevitable occurrence with the disease, was also slowed.

The third condition Birkmayer studied formally was depression. 93% of 205 depressed subjects benefited from the supplement (many received an injectible form of NADH).

NADH also seems to be of significant value against heart disease. When doctors administered 15 mg of the nutrient intravenously in a small experiment, their patients, who weren't expected to live longer than 2 days, ended up living far beyond their physicians' expectations.

Preliminary results with NADH are encouraging, and clinical trials are now under way in the treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

In one study, seventeen athletes age 18 to 35 achieved quicker reaction times and better overall performance after four weeks of taking 5 mg of NADH.

Precautions: If you take too much, NADH may stimulate you too much; used late in the day, it can prevent you from falling asleep. It should be taken before eating anything, first thing in the morning.

Dosage Ranges and Duration of Administration: Individual doses will vary. Dr. Atkins recommends 2.5 mg every morning; adding 2.5 mg in increment increases each week until you find the optimal blend of energy and ability to sleep restfully.

Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases: the effective therapeutic range may extend upward to some 20 mg per day.